Mitochondria are small organelles inside cells that make the energy for the cell, and for our life. They are vital to all functions of cells and the human body. They make the energy you live on. Because they contain their own DNA, some have hypothesized that they are independent bacteria that have been incorporated into cells in ancient times forming a symbiotic relationship. The main function of mitochondria is to strip food of its electrons and store them in a molecule called ATP, adenosine triphosphate. The electrons are stored between the phosphate bonds. When we need the electron to do work we break off a phosphate and release the electron. So ATP is like a small battery to hold energy for future use.

The metabolic activity of mitochondria that strips electrons from food and stores it in ATP is called the Citric Acid Cycle. To create health and longevity we need to support this process and heal any disturbances in its operation. Most researchers recognize mitochondria decay as a significant factor in aging and disease. To prevent or reverse mitochondria decay there are a number of ideas that have been useful to doctors:

The metabolic activity of mitochondria that strips electrons from food and stores it in ATP is called the Citric Acid Cycle. To create health and longevity we need to support this process and heal any disturbances in its operation. Most researchers recognize mitochondria decay as a significant factor in aging and disease. To prevent or reverse mitochondria decay there are a number of ideas that have been useful to doctors:

Toxins

The first major concern has been toxins; organic toxins like pesticides, heavy metals, industrial toxins and biological toxins like those from fungus and bacteria. These are delt with by avoiding the intake of toxins, facilitating detoxification and the chelation of heavy metals. (See our section on heavy metals and detoxification.)

Oxidative damage

In 1956 Dr. Denham Harman presented the idea of oxidative damage to cells from free radicals, causing biological degradation and aging. It turns out mitochondria are very susceptible to this process due to their high use of oxygen. The production of free radicals in mitochondria is facilitated by heavy metals such as methyl mercury and cadmium. This situation can be improved by removing heavy metals. This process is facilitated by the intake of the amino acid L–Cystine which helps produce the primary detoxifying molecule glutathione. Free radical protection for mitochondria is also provided by melatonin, the neurohormone that induces sleep. It turns out that melatonin is found in highest concentrations in the mitochondria, presumably to offer protection against free radical production. Research shows that giving melatonin to rats helps prevent aging of their mitochondria. Unless there is evidence to the contrary, it would be wise to assume the same is true for people. The oxidation rate of melatonin in humans varies considerably; therefore the amount of melatonin to be taken should be determined by lab testing or experimentation. Presumably the amount that effectively puts you to sleep is the right amount.

Oxidation Rate

In 1972 Dr. George Watson published “Nutrition and Your Mind, the psycho chemical response” which presented a seminal thesis that proper energy production of the mitochondria through the citric acid cycle depends on a proper balance of acetyl coenzyme A from fat metabolism, and oxaloacetate derived from glucose metabolism. Individuals are divided into ‘slow oxidizers’ and ‘fast oxidizers’, depending on weather they metabolize glucose fast or slow. In general, slow oxidizers need water soluble B vitamins and fast oxidizers need fat soluble vitamins. This appears to have a dramatic effect on certain individuals. According to Dr. Eck of Endomet labs, oxidation rate can be determined through hair analysis in addition to blood testing for CO2 and carbonic acid. It seems to be that high calcium/magnesium relative to sodium/potassium in hair analysis is correlated with slow oxidation, and high sodium/potassium with fast oxidation.

Mitochondria proliferation

Recent research has dramatically increased our understanding of mitochondria and offers new tools to optimizing function. It is a curious fact that exercise increases the number of mitochondria in muscle cells. Attempts to understand this phenomena have lead to the discovery that this process is controlled primarily by one molecule, IGC-Alpha 1. Rats bred to produce more of this molecule have more mitochondria in their muscles as well as better endurance and better exercise recovery. This has wide implications as generating more of this molecule gives more results from exercise. This has lead to an exploration of what determines the production of IGC-Alpha 1 in muscle cells. It turns out production is controlled by 3 main factors. These are (1) a drop in ATP in muscle cells, (2) an increase in calcium in cells and (3) nitric oxide production. All of these are generated by exercise. However, in addition to exercise, production can be increased by a number of nutrients. One amazing superstar turns out to be Resveratrol, the nutrient extracted from grapes. Resveratrol increases the production of IGC-alpha 1 by stimulating all the pathways that increase this molecule. Resveratrol has a very short life in plasma, about 10 minutes. The methylated version called pterostilbene last much longer and is better absorbed. Other supplements, such as l-argenine and alpha lipoic acid are also useful. The nutrition company Xymogen has produced a supplement combination, designed by Joseph Evans, PhD, to address all factors facilitating mitochondria proliferation. However, these supplements must be used in combination with exercise to be effective.

Sources:

The Secret Life of Mitochondria by Joseph Evans, PhD, published by Xymogen.

Nutrition and Your Mind, the psycho chemical response by George Watson, PhD, 1972.